Respect starts with you and me

Oshawa This Week

To the editor:

I couldn't help but notice recently how unkind and unwelcoming our community can be at times. A lot of it comes down to one simple word: respect. Whether it is at home, in schools, the workplace, the car or at the mall, it seems that this basic human virtue is gradually getting squeezed out of our daily social encounters.

Whether it is the person in front of me throwing garbage from their moving car, the delinquents who vandalized buildings at Heber Downs, the dog walker who repeatedly turns a blind eye while his dog "deposits" on my neighbour's lawn, the impatient customers who practically shove other more deserving patrons out their way when the next cashier opens, or those ignoring an aging veteran on Remembrance Day, people appear disconnected from their actions and unfortunately are blindly spreading this contagion!

And while it is easy to blame today's youth for lacking in traditional social etiquette, the truth is that many are simply practising learned behaviours from their parents. In many cases, these same parents who have worked so hard to provide abundantly for their children have fallen short in preparing them appropriately for adulthood.

Teaching respect to your children comes broadly from the boundaries which you set for them, the accountability and responsibility you impart on them, the consequences you hold them to when expectations aren't met, and the role model you as a parent present to them. Character may be shaped outside, but the foundation is set at home. Are these not inherent parental responsibilities? Tough to execute, yes, but it is your duty as a parent!

During daily interactions with others, it is the small gestures, what we say and how we say it that speak volumes about our character. It's time to put this word into action.